Liverpool Nears Simon Wiles U18s Head Coach Appointment From Man United

Liverpool Football Club is making significant changes to its coaching staff ahead of the new season, focusing on youth development and goalkeeping. They are close to appointing Simon Wiles, a highly rated Manchester United youth coach, as their new Under-18s head coach, aiming to revitalize their youth setup and improve the pathway from academy to first team. Wiles, with experience coaching at Fleetwood Town and Salford City, is expected to bring fresh ideas to the role, working alongside newly promoted assistant Anthony Ryan. Additionally, Liverpool has appointed Colin Stewart, formerly of Rangers, as their goalkeeper development and pathway lead. Stewart will support head of first-team goalkeeping coaching Xavi Valero and oversee the loan strategies of young goalkeepers transitioning to senior experience, linking the men's squad, loan management, and Under-21s group. These appointments reflect manager Arne Slot's efforts to strengthen his backroom team following last season's Premier League title win and considerable staff changes, including the arrival of Giovanni van Bronckhorst as a first-team coach.